You may be familiar with the shop-til-you-drop madness of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but have you heard of Giving Tuesday?
Giving Tuesday, celebrated yearly on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, is a global day of giving fueled in large part by social media. Giving Tuesday is seen as the kickoff to the “charitable season,” when many choose to focus on holiday or end-of-year giving.
Many Mint Hill businesses, organizations and individuals participated in Giving Tuesday and continue to promote and participate in charitable endeavors throughout the holiday season. Vintner’s Hill donated 10% of Tuesday’s revenue to a local food shelter chosen by its employees. “We decided collaboratively to ensure the donation remained local to the Matthews-Mint Hill community,” says owner Chris Coy. “As part of our ongoing commitment to the Mint Hill community, we continuously evaluate opportunities to give back and will continue to give back where we have the ability.”
For the third year in a row, Big Guy’s Pizza is collecting for the homeless. Big Guy’s collects travel size toiletries and warm-weather necessities for “blessing bags:” toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, combs, brushes, band aids, Q-tips, tissues, lotion, chapstick, floss, wet wipes, socks, scarves, and hats. If you’d like to help Big Guy’s Pizza help the homeless, you can drop donations off at the restaurant until December 20.
Woof ‘n Hoof is encouraging patrons to purchase a pet item from the giving tree on display in store’s front window for the nonprofit volunteer organization Pet Education Assistance and Resources. “Shortly after purchasing the Woof ‘n Hoof, we came across PEAR,” says owner Patrick Holton. “They help owners to keep animals in the home to alleviate the burden on rescues and shelters. We believe in what they are trying to accomplish and wanted to partner with them to help.”
The list of items needed by pair ranges from collars and leashes to food, treats and hay. Many of the items can be purchased in the Woof ‘n Hoof for between $.99 and $20.00. Woof ‘n Hoof will be collecting donations for PEAR until Christmas. “We are already off to a monster start and can hopefully help out many pets and their families this season,” says Holton.
Philadelphia Presbyterian Church will host twelve homeless neighbors every Wednesday for twelve weeks beginning in December. Prior to December, they collected men’s and women’s underwear, undershirts, and socks to donate to the individuals who take advantage of Room at the Inn.
Philadelphia Presbyterian welcomes volunteers from the community to help make Room at the Inn happen. Volunteers are needed from about 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm every Wednesday to serve meals, set up beds and linens, and visit with the guests. “This is such an important and meaningful outreach program, and we would be so happy to involve more of our community in a hands-on way,” says Heather Williams, who has worked with Room in the Inn for several years.
“Each and every time I spend time talking with these individuals I’m left feeling very humbled and incredibly blessed,” continues Williams. “It’s easy to forget that anyone and everyone is susceptible to hard times and the need for caring people to offer a helping hand. It’s a wonderful feeling to be that helping hand, even if just for a couple of hours.” If you’re interested in volunteering, contact the church office.
Pine Lake Country Club will be collecting new, unwrapped toys as well as cash and check donations for Toys for Tots until December 22. This will be the first time Pine Lake Country Club has taken part in Toys for Tots.
“Pine Lake has been around since 1952, so it is a long standing tradition in Mint Hill for golfers, tennis advocates, and families who want a great place to spend time doing the things they love with the people they love,” says Marketing Director Sandy Barnett. “We have recently completed a major renovation of our clubhouse, so we are very grateful to have a beautiful place for our members to gather and spend quality time together. This prompted our decision to help the many children of Charlotte (estimates are at 30,000) that are in need of some assistance and Christmas cheer. We appreciate that our membership is in the position to extend that helping hand and play Santa to the many children affected.”
If you have questions or would like to help Pine Lake Country Club’s campaign, contact Sandy Barnett at 704-545-4513.
The MOMS Club of Mint Hill is currently collecting toys for the Christmas Assistance Program at A Servant’s Heart of Mint Hill. Through this program, clients are able to “shop” donations of toys and gift cards, $100.00 of toys per child age 0-12 and $75 in gift cards per teenager. Last year, A Servant’s Heart was able to provide over $1400.00 in gifts to children and teens in need, and they’ve committed to serving 50 additional children this Christmas season.
“It’s a great way to give back during a season that is rough on parents of limited means,” says MOMS Club Service Coordinator Jennifer Stanley, “by giving them the opportunity to pick out a few special gifts for their children.” The Christmas Assistance Program begins December 11, but donations can be dropped off at A Servant’s Heart during business hours through December 20.
